Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Dog Breed Information

Size	20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
Weight	60-75 lbs (27-34 kg)
Origin	Scotland
Color	Gold, cream
Lifespan	10-12 years
Suitable As	Rescue dogs, guide dogs and family dogs
Personality	Affectionate, obedient, loyal, enjoys learning and learns fast
Exercise
Drooling
Shedding
Grooming

Golden Retriever Photo: otsphoto/Shutterstock

Breed Characteristics

The Golden Retriever is often pictured as the "perfect" family dog. They’re known for their joy and love for people. This dog breed is also very cheerful, peaceful and sociable. The Golden Retriever loves catching anything it can get its mouth on, carrying it around and bringing it back. That’s why the word "retrieve" is part of its name. Outside, the Golden Retriever is very active and loves running around. Inside the home, it’s a calm, cuddly dog that just wants to snuggle up with the whole family.

Discipline and Training

Golden Retrievers are easy to train. They learn commands and tricks with enthusiasm, and are very attentive in following commands when asked to do something by their masters. This is perfect for inexperienced dog owners, as this kind of dog can ease you into this new role.

ADVERTISEMENT - ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Golden Retriever Photo: Osadchaya Olga/Shutterstock

Exercise Needs

Golden Retrievers are not for couch potatoes! Even though they love to snuggle up, they have a real need to burn off energy. Whether it’s long walks, playing fetch, hiking or agility - they love to get involved in everything right away.

Top Activities

Playing Fetch, Swimming, Dock jumping, Flyball

Pros and Cons

Pros

Suitable for beginners
Extraordinarily good-natured
Easy to train
Friendly to strangers
Gets on well with other dogs

Cons

Needs lots of exercise
Gets overweight easily
Sheds a lot
Often smells strongly of dog

Golden Retriever Photo: Jessica/stock.adobe.com

Health and Care

The Golden Retriever has wavy or straight, medium-length fur. It needs regular care and should be brushed at least one to two times a week. Especially if the dog spends a lot of time outdoors. These dogs shed a lot, especially in spring and autumn. All family members should be ok with this.

ADVERTISEMENT - ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Appearance

Golden Retrievers have dense, wavy, gold or cream-colored fur. Their front paws, chests and tails have lovely "feathering" (long hair). Their eyes are big and friendly. This dog is very sporty, and has a strong build with muscle-packed legs. Its movements are very powerful yet gentle. The Golden Retriever is very sporty, and has a strong build with muscle-packed legs. Its movements are very powerful yet gentle.

Golden Retriever Photo: BajeczneObrazy.pl/stock.adobe.com

History and Origin

The history of the Golden Retriever is very well documented: at the end of the 19th century, Lord Tweedmouth crossed a yellow retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel, an old dog breed from Ireland that has sadly died out. Then more breeds were crossed, like the Irish Setter and Bloodhound. In 1913, the Golden Retriever was officially recognized as a breed by the British Kennel Club, the umbrella organization of British dog breeders.

Where Does The Name Come From?

The word "golden" clearly refers to the fur color, but there are also cream colored dogs. "Retriever" was already explained above. The Labrador Retriever also carries the name "retriever" for the same reason.

Golden Retriever Photo: Maria Ivanushkina/Shutterstock

Fun Facts

White Puppies

Golden Retrievers are almost white as puppies. They get their creamy to golden fur from the age of around when they are two years old. You can usually tell from their ears what color they will eventually be.

Records

Australian Golden Retriever Charlie cracked the official Guinness World Record in October 2012 for the loudest dog bark - it was 113.1 decibels. That’s about as loud as a drum kit or a chainsaw. At 120 decibels, your ears start to hurt. Female Golden Retriever Augie holds a fun world record. In July 2003, she held five tennis balls in her mouth at the same time.